Why Run With Your Dog?

Personal training for dogs. You’re kidding, right? Actually, no, we’re not. Research suggests up to 40% of our dogs are overweight, and they suffer from the same health complications that overweight people do. Veterinarians (including myself) are becoming more and more concerned about the increase in joint pain, heart disease and other obesity related illnesses in dogs.
Hence, Pooch to 5k. Dogs can’t lift weights, or use the gym. If you’re going to increase their fat burning, you need to increase the intensity of their exercise. This means that a daily stroll just won’t cut it any more, it’s too laid back. The Pooch to 5k program will help you get your dog from doing nothing much to comfortably running 5km, over a period of 12 weeks.
Because you’ll be running with your dog, you’ll also get a great workout three times a week, as you train yourself to run 5km. Why not subscribe to our dog health and fitness newsletter and grab your dog, and you’re ready to go!

Dec

09

Post Surgical Care of your Running Dog

Since Guinness has just been neutered, I thought I’d post a few thoughts on how to care for your running buddy after an elective operation such as neutering or a lump removal.

The hardest part is keeping your dog quiet to let them recover fully. They feel back to normal within a day or two of their operation, but they really shouldn’t run for a bit longer. The movement of the skin around the surgical site may make healing a little slower, and the increase in blood pressure may lead to a bit of bleeding.

It’s hard, because your dog wants to run but doesn’t understand why he can’t. Guinness had the most mournful look when I left with Cinnabar for a run. I found that the best way to help him through this period of forced rest was to start going for slow walks as soon as I felt he was up to it, and also do things to keep him mentally active. Adding a bit of extra obedience or trick training to his day seemed to alleviate the boredom.

Whatever you do, don’t start back training before your vet gives you the all clear. If you make things worse, your dog will have to sit out for longer, and that will only increase his frustration, and yours.